### Purdue Boilermakers Bounce Back with Dominant Win Over Rutgers The No. 18 Purdue Boilermakers showcased a powerful performance on March 5, 2025, defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 100-71. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Purdue, who had recently struggled with a four-game losing streak. Key players Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith each contributed 23 points, demonstrating exceptional shooting skills, particularly from beyond the arc, where they combined for 14 three-pointers. This win not only boosts Purdue's morale but also solidifies their position in the NCAA tournament discussions as they aim for a strong finish to the season [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/loyer-smith-lead-no-18-023656668.html]. ### Breakdown of Recent Purdue Performances 1. **Recent Struggles**: - Purdue faced a challenging stretch, losing four consecutive games prior to their victory over Rutgers. This included a notable defeat against Indiana, where they lost 73-58 despite leading at halftime [https://www.reuters.com/sports/top-25-roundup-indiana-rallies-past-struggling-no-13-purdue-2025-02-24]. 2. **Key Players**: - **Fletcher Loyer**: Scored 23 points against Rutgers, showcasing his scoring ability and shooting precision [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/loyer-smith-lead-no-18-023656668.html]. - **Braden Smith**: Also contributed 23 points and set a Purdue assist record during the game against UCLA, where he played a pivotal role in ending the four-game skid [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/purdue-basketball-news-braden-smith-shatters-boilermakers-record-epic-performance-ucla]. 3. **Turning Point**: - The victory over UCLA (76-66) on March 1, 2025, was crucial for Purdue, as it ended their losing streak and provided momentum leading into the game against Rutgers [https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/kaufman-renn-scores-29-smith-adds-23-as-no-20-purdue-beats-ucla-76-66-to-end-four-game-skid]. ### Supporting Evidence of Performance - **Scoring Breakdown**: - Against Rutgers, Purdue scored 100 points, with Loyer and Smith leading the charge. Their combined 46 points were instrumental in the team's offensive strategy [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/loyer-smith-lead-no-18-023656668.html]. - **Shooting Statistics**: - Purdue's shooting was particularly effective, with Loyer and Smith hitting a total of 14 three-pointers, which significantly contributed to their high score [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/loyer-smith-lead-no-18-023656668.html]. ### Conclusion: Purdue's Path Forward In summary, the Purdue Boilermakers have successfully rebounded from a difficult stretch, highlighted by their recent 100-71 victory over Rutgers. This win, fueled by standout performances from Loyer and Smith, not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their prospects for the NCAA tournament. 1. **Recent Performance**: Purdue's ability to score heavily and efficiently against Rutgers indicates a return to form. 2. **Key Players**: Loyer and Smith are emerging as critical assets for the team, both in scoring and playmaking. 3. **Future Outlook**: With this victory, Purdue aims to build on their momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season, looking to secure a favorable position in the NCAA tournament [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/loyer-smith-lead-no-18-023656668.html].